Birmingham to Burbank Turbulence Forecast

BHM → BUR · 1,806 miles · ~4h 7m

What to Expect

Your flight from Birmingham to Burbank crosses a wide variety of terrain, each with its own potential for turbulence. You'll begin over the Southeast Interior, where convective turbulence can occur, especially if it's a warm day. As you head west, you'll cross the Mississippi Valley and the Ozark Plateau, also prone to convective bumps. Then comes Tornado Alley, where, although severe convective turbulence is possible, your pilots are highly trained to avoid any significant weather. Further along the route, you’ll encounter the Southern Rockies, where mountain wave turbulence can develop as air flows over the peaks. Finally, as you approach Burbank, you'll fly over the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, where thermal turbulence, caused by rising hot air, is common. These atmospheric phenomena are well understood, and pilots are constantly monitoring conditions and adjusting flight paths to ensure a safe and comfortable flight.

The Birmingham to Burbank route passes over the Southern Rockies in New Mexico and southern Colorado. While somewhat lower than the peaks to the north, these mountains still produce notable mountain wave turbulence, particularly when strong southwesterly winds aloft align perpendicular to the ridgeline.

Turbulence Factors on This Route

• Convective Turbulence: The warm, humid Southeast interior supports frequent thunderstorm development, particularly during afternoon hours.
• Mountain Wave Turbulence: The Southern Rockies produce lee waves when southwesterly upper-level winds flow across the terrain.
• Thermal Turbulence: Extreme desert heating generates strong thermal updrafts that cause low-to-mid-level turbulence, especially in summer afternoons.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

For the smoothest possible flight, aim to travel in late fall, winter, or fall. These seasons tend to be the most stable, with less convective activity. Spring, early summer, and late winter can be bumpier. This is because the warmer months bring increased convective turbulence across the Southeast Interior, Mississippi Valley, Ozark Plateau, and Tornado Alley, as well as more thermal turbulence over the deserts. The Rockies are more prone to mountain wave turbulence when the winds are stronger, which is less predictable by season.

Tips for This Flight

If you're concerned about turbulence, booking a morning flight is often your best bet; the air tends to be calmer earlier in the day, before the ground heats up and creates thermal updrafts. Any turbulence you do encounter on this route is likely to feel like driving on a road with potholes or maybe a bit like being in a boat on choppy water. Staying well-hydrated can help you feel more comfortable, and choosing a seat over the wing can minimize the sensation of movement. Remember, the pilots and crew are experts at navigating these conditions, and your safety is their top priority.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.